Hundreds of Jain pilgrams congregate for the once every 12-year religious festival, Mahamastakabhisheka, in Karnataka, India

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Hundreds of Jain pilgrams congregate for the once every 12-year religious festival, Mahamastakabhisheka, at the summit of Vindhyagiri Hill in Karnataka, India. Jain followers and devotees witness the bathing of the 58 foot statue of the Jain deity Gomateshwara, a Jain prince who renounced his kingdom and attained enlightenment. Devotees wait for the chance to pour holy water over the massive head of Gomateshwara, either milk, turmeric or vermillion colored water. Millions of

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Size: 3518px × 5266px
Location: Sravanabelagola, India
Photo credit: © William Meyer / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: asia, beliefs, color, commerations, crowds, devotion, festivals, gatherings, hinduism, history, idol, india, jainism, joy, monuments, nirvana, philosophy, prayer, religion, thought, veneration, worship